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topicnews · August 27, 2024

Sloane Stephens US Open: Clara Burel comes back after 0-6 defeat in the first set against US tennis star

Sloane Stephens US Open: Clara Burel comes back after 0-6 defeat in the first set against US tennis star

Sloane Stephens’ run at the US Open ended quickly and suddenly on Monday.

The American tennis star suffered a shocking three-set loss to Frenchwoman Clara Burel, an unranked talent who has never advanced beyond the third round of a major tournament.

Stephens’ loss was all the more astonishing considering she had opened the match with six straight wins. Showing a venomous forehand and impressive court presence, Stephens flew from end to end with reckless abandon. A positive result seemed in the cards for the 31-year-old, whose only major tournament victory came in the 2017 edition of the competition.

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Unfortunately for Stephens and all her fans, however, Burel found her rhythm as the match progressed. The 23-year-old looked in pain for the first 33 minutes of the match, losing each of her first nine games. She then came back to her senses and overcame a 3-0, 1-4 and 2-5 deficit in the second set to level the score at 1-1.

Set number 3 was a real eye-catcher, with both Burel and Stephens having moments of brilliance… and moments of madness. Ultimately, though, it was Burrel who made fewer mistakes. When Stephens’ returns – once fiery and precise – danced outside the baseline, it was clear she was on the verge of an epic collapse.

Stephens’ 7-5 loss in the final set was one of her worst results at the US Open. She will have to wait until next year’s Australian Open for a chance at another major title. Burel will face Belarusian top player Victoria Azarenka on Wednesday.

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